In a surprising turn of events, the Boston Celtics lost to the shorthanded Atlanta Hawks 117-116 on Tuesday night in their opening game of Group C at the Emirates NBA Cup. Despite entering the game as heavy 16.5-point favorites, Boston couldn’t hold on to a 15-point lead in the second half.
The Celtics managed to assert their dominance after a slow start, with Jaylen Brown scoring 20 points and Derrick White contributing 14 by halftime. However, the Hawks, playing without key players including All-Star Trae Young, rallied in the second half, dominating the paint with a remarkable 68-32 advantage down low and scoring 18 second chance points. Onyeka Okongwu clinched the game for Atlanta with a go-ahead basket in the final minute, while Brown, who led the Celtics with 37 points, missed a last-second shot that could have sealed the victory for Boston. White added 31 points, and Dyson Daniels led the Hawks with 28 points.
This defeat snapped Boston’s two-game winning streak, leaving their record at 9-3 for the season. They will next face the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on Tuesday night, followed by a matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
Four key takeaways emerged from the Celtics’ performance:
1. **Jaylen Brown’s Return**: After struggling in his previous game due to hip issues, Brown showed remarkable improvement against the Hawks, scoring efficiently and drawing fouls. He looked more at ease offensively, successfully penetrating the defense and finding his rhythm.
2. **Innovative Rotation by Joe Mazzulla**: Head coach Joe Mazzulla surprised many by keeping both Brown and Jayson Tatum on the floor for the entirety of the first quarter. This unorthodox move paid dividends, allowing the Celtics reserves to support them effectively.
3. **Uncharacteristic Sloppiness**: The Celtics, usually known for their discipline, struggled with a staggering 20 turnovers, a season-high figure fueled by careless passing. This allowed the Hawks to capitalize and stay competitive throughout the game.
4. **Hawks’ Trade Decision Paying Off**: The acquisition of Dyson Daniels is looking promising for Atlanta. His strong defensive skills and shooting ability are proving to be valuable early in his career, suggesting a bright future for the team post-Dejounte Murray trade.
Despite the loss, the Celtics can take away several lessons from this match. With adjustments and a focus on cutting down on turnovers, they still have every chance to turn things around. Boston’s ability to bounce back and refine their game will be critical as they face a challenging schedule ahead. The resilience of the team shows promise for the upcoming games, keeping fans hopeful for a turnaround.